Ale Workshop de Iga

In Iga, there’s a place said to be one of the smallest breweries in Japan. "Ale Workshop de Iga" is only 10 tsubo.

Each brew is less than 400 liters. Katsuhiko Fusode started it in 1998, and for more than 25 years he’s kept making only top-fermented ales using American plant and malt ingredients.

What’s fun is that all the labels are tied to Iga. "Kunoichi Pale" is a pale ale with a name that fits the village of ninja. "Kaminari Amber" is an amber ale, named after the Raiden Taiko drum of the Ueno Tenjin Festival in Iga. And "Basho Wheat" is a wheat beer named after Matsuo Basho.

What Fusode has been aiming for is the idea that "this ale should become established as the taste of Iga." Rather than mass production, the style is to carefully deliver the flavor of this land in small batches. They even once released a limited beer called "Shinobi Awa Iga."

They do small-group factory tours by advance reservation. Since it’s only 10 tsubo, you can really see the entire process right in front of you. It’s a completely different distance from a big brewery tour, and you can feel the breath of the brewing process.